Dell Desktop Deals
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CNET editors' rating:
3.5 stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 4 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: High-value powered subwoofer; solid construction; 10-inch woofer; 150-watt amplifier; flexible crossover options.
The bad: Bass definition isn't a strong suit.
The bottom line: This robustly built subwoofer's performance is far from state of the art, but the price alone makes it worth considering.
Specifications: Type of speaker: subwoofer, floor-standing; Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.3 in x 16.5 in x 18.5 in; Amplification type: Active; See full specs
Price range: $199.99
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 02/02/2005
- Released on: 03/15/2004
Nothing about the look or feel of this full-size (18.5 inches tall, 12.3 inches wide, and 16.5 inches deep) subwoofer betrays its beer-budget price. The 39.4-pound black ash cabinet is built to the same high standards as Fluance's main speaker line, and the finned metal heat sinks, which take up most of the real estate on the rear panel, hint at the quality of the built-in 150-watt amplifier. The front-mounted 10-inch woofer is vented through twin down-firing ports. One minor complaint: the power-on blue LED was irritatingly bright at night.
During the course of the review, we were notified by Fluance that it was about to institute upgrades to the DB-150 design. The plastic cone-shaped feet will be replaced with brass leveling feet; the spring-type speaker wire connectors are out, replaced with all-metal binding posts; and the RCA input will have a direct option that bypasses the subwoofer's internal crossover, which makes it easier to blend the sound of the sub with the speakers in a 5.1 system. Furthermore, the DB-150 will have a "phase" switch to aid in blending its sound with your satellite speakers; many budget subs lack this useful feature.
Sonically, we judged the DB-150 a synergistic match for Fluance's SX-HTB speaker package. The sub's powers at the deep end of the bass pool were impressive, yet we wished it had a bit more control and detail. Depending on the CD's or DVD's bass content, the DB-150 sometimes sounded a little muddy (more with acoustic jazz CDs, less with rock music or movies).
We also auditioned the DB-150 with our NHT SB-1 speakers and were able to achieve a seamless blend, but we once again wished for greater definition. When we compared it to the $299 Hsu Research STF-1 subwoofer, the DB-150's deficiencies were more apparent. The STF-1's bass was deeper, more powerful and precise--its advantages on all types of music and home theater were obvious. Then again, it's 50 percent more expensive. If you're strapped for cash, the Fluance DB-150 offers solid build quality, impressive features, and passable bass response.
User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 4 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
Fluance DB-150:
